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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Operation Warm Fuzzy

We have started up a new program here at the Brimhall house, it's called the Warm Fuzzy project. I have been feeling like all I do is nag. "Clean up your room." "It's time to get dressed" "Go brush your teeth" "Put your dishes in the sink." All day....every day. I started thinking about it and realized that if I could hear a recording of myself I would hate to be one of my kids. So, I wanted to try a new approach to trying to get my kids to do things, hence the Warm Fuzzy project. Hello, POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT!!!

We went to the dollar store to find some sort of jars to decorate and something to fill it with. I originally planned on using those little glass rocks, but when I saw the pom pom balls I knew that would be way funner for the kids. So, we got 2 vases, 2 bags of pom poms, and some foam stickers and I let them decorate their jars for family home evening. This is what they came up with! I think they turned out super cute, and they are so proud of their works of art.



Then, I printed out lists for each of them to put in their rooms where they can see them every day. I added pictures for Aaron to make it easier for him. For each thing they do on their list every day they get a "warm fuzzy".

For things like having their room clean before bed they get 5 fuzzies. However, if their room is a mess at the end of the day, I take a warm fuzzy away from them. I also take away a fuzzy if they really misbehave, and reward them with an extra fuzzy if they do something really good. I have already noticed a HUGE change in my kids! I think helping them to be aware of their actions and the rewards or consequences of them has made a big difference. It makes great bribery opportunities, too. *wink wink* I wish I would have thought of this sooner!

Then, when their jar is completely full of warm fuzzies, we will take them to Dollar Tree and let them pick out a prize. Then, we empty the jar and start all over again! I love that it is an inexpensive yet FUN way for kids to learn good habits and responsibilities.

11 people leaving some love!:

Lara Zierke said...

What an awesome idea. I will steal it soon!

Kathy said...

What a great idea! You are so clever. I think my kids would respond to something like this, and I think it would be good to have less nagging and yelling on my part. Thanks for sharing!

Melanie said...

This is totally what I need!!!!!
You are a geneous. How did you come up with this idea? I have been looking for someing so simple and haven't found it. Is it ok if I try and copy your idea? LOVE IT!!!

Mike & Rachel Barton said...

Cute idea, Nat! I might just have to do this with McKayla :)

Max can get some too if he sleeps great.

Chris said...

Thank Nat, I just added 1 more cool idea to my "someday you'll really need" this file!

Jess said...

I totally love this idea!! I have been trying to think of something for my kids for about a year now and have never really started anything! Hopefully you will be my motivation!!!

Melissa said...

What a cute Mom you are! That's such a fun idea. I wonder if it works with husbands.....

The Mursets said...

That is such a cute idea! I love that it was cheap to put together too! You are so awesome, we will be doing this for sure.

The Yoder's Five said...

Love it!!!!

TG and Steph said...

That is such a good idea. I'm going to definitely use this when my two little kiddos are older.

Family of Five said...

So needed to read this today! Great idea! Will be implementing soon! Love reading your blog girl!! Write a book, I'll stand in line!